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Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390

Portability
95
Imaging
36
Features
40
Overall
37
Samsung ST600 front
 
Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 front
Portability
66
Imaging
53
Features
54
Overall
53

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Key Specs

Samsung ST600
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 4800 (Increase to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 27-135mm (F3.3-5.5) lens
  • 150g - 104 x 60 x 20mm
  • Revealed January 2010
Sony A390
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
  • Revealed July 2010
  • Succeeded the Sony A380
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Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Overview

Here is a detailed analysis of the Samsung ST600 and Sony A390, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the ST600 (14MP) and the A390 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the ST600 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The ST600 was brought out 6 months prior to the A390 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung ST600 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the ST600 scores versus the A390 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Samsung ST600 over the Sony A390

 ST600 A390 
Display size3.5"2.7"Larger display (+0.8")
Display resolution1152k230kClearer display (+922k dot)
Touch display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Sony A390 over the Samsung ST600

 A390 ST600 
Manually focus Dial exact focusing
Display typeTiltingFixed Tilting display

Common features in the Samsung ST600 and Sony A390

 ST600 A390 
RevealedJanuary 2010July 2010Similar generation
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and size. The Samsung ST600 provides external measurements of 104mm x 60mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Sony A390 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Samsung ST600 and Sony A390 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the ST600 against the A390.

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ST600 and A390 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 top view buttons comparison

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ST600 and A390.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with the identical MP but different sensor sizing. The ST600 features the tinier sensor which will make achieving bokeh more challenging.

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 sensor size comparison

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung ST600 as a Portrait photography camera
Sony A390 as a Portrait photography camera
29
decent MP (14MP)
manual focus not available
no external flash support
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
71
has manual focus
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
offers face detect autofocus
saves RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Samsung ST600 as a Street photography camera
Sony A390 as a Street photography camera
60
built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with focus by touch
no moving screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
heavier than others (150g)
75
has a tilting screen
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
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Sports Comparison

Samsung ST600 Sports photography features
Sony A390 Sports photography features
43
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
59
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
has phase detect autofocus
max fps low (3.0 frames per second)
low battery (230 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Samsung ST600
Travel photography with Sony A390
65
comes with focus by touch
decent MP (14MP)
flash built-in
pretty wide (27mm)
lack of Time Lapse function
heavier than others (150g)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
53
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
does not have Time Lapse mode
low battery (230 CIPA)
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Samsung ST600 Landscape photography information
Sony A390 Landscape photography information
43
pretty wide (27mm)
screen larger than average (3.5")
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14 megapixels)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
lack of Time Lapse function
61
has manual focus
change lenses (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
low battery (230 per charge)
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Samsung ST600 Vlogging details
Sony A390 Vlogging details
30
pretty wide (27mm)
screen is touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of external mic jack
heavier than others (150 grams)
9
can't shoot video
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Samsung ST600 vs Sony A390 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung ST600 and Sony A390
 Samsung ST600Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
General Information
Company Samsung Sony
Model type Samsung ST600 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
Class Ultracompact Entry-Level DSLR
Revealed 2010-01-06 2010-07-28
Physical type Ultracompact Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Processor - Bionz
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4320 x 3240 4592 x 3056
Highest native ISO 4800 3200
Highest boosted ISO 6400 -
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens Sony/Minolta Alpha
Lens zoom range 27-135mm (5.0x) -
Maximum aperture f/3.3-5.5 -
Macro focusing distance 5cm -
Available lenses - 143
Crop factor 5.9 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Tilting
Screen diagonal 3.5" 2.7"
Resolution of screen 1,152k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage - 95 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.49x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 8 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/1500 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate - 3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.00 m 10.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize - 1/160 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps) -
Highest video resolution 1280x720 None
Video file format Motion JPEG -
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 150 grams (0.33 pounds) 549 grams (1.21 pounds)
Physical dimensions 104 x 60 x 20mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 0.8") 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 66
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 22.5
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 11.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 607
Other
Battery life - 230 shots
Battery style - Battery Pack
Battery ID SLB07 NP-FH50
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double, Motion) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type MicroSD/ MicroSDHC, Internal SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Card slots One One
Pricing at launch $330 $500